Description
These Breakfast Bars with Oats and Peanut Butter are a quick, wholesome, and satisfying morning boost made from simple pantry staples. Combining creamy peanut butter, hearty oats, and plant-based ingredients, they provide nutritious energy, are easy to customize, and perfect for on-the-go breakfasts or snacks.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup natural peanut butter
- 1/3 cup maple syrup (natural)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (natural)
- 1/4 cup plant-based milk
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon natural gelling agent
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped smoked turkey bacon or smoked turkey slices
Optional Add-Ins and Variations
- 1/4 cup plant-based chocolate chips or cocoa nibs
- 1/4 cup chopped almonds or walnuts
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped dates
- Pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg
Instructions
- Prepare the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the natural peanut butter, maple syrup (natural), vanilla extract (natural), and plant-based milk. Stir together until the mixture is smooth and glossy, ensuring all ingredients are fully incorporated for even binding later.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, combine the rolled oats, chia seeds, and natural gelling agent. If you choose the savory variation, add the chopped smoked turkey bacon or smoked turkey slices here. Mix well so everything is evenly distributed and ready to combine.
- Combine Both Mixtures: Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until every oat and seed is coated and the batter becomes thick. This is the point where you want to be sure the mixture is uniform but not overworked, to maintain that chewy bar texture.
- Press into the Pan and Chill: Line a square pan with parchment paper for easy removal. Pour the mixture in and press firmly with a spatula or your hands to ensure even thickness without gaps. Place in the fridge to let the bars set, typically about 2 to 3 hours, or until firm to the touch thanks to the natural gelling agent doing its magic.
- Cut and Enjoy: Once set, lift from the pan using the parchment and cut into bars or squares. Enjoy immediately or pack them for a convenient, nutritious breakfast anytime.
Notes
- Chill properly: Don’t rush the setting time; letting the bars chill fully ensures they hold their shape perfectly.
- Use fresh oats: Rolled oats work best for texture, but avoid quick oats as they can turn mushy.
- Peanut butter consistency: Natural peanut butter with some oil separation works great for flavor, just stir it up well before measuring.
- Customize sweetness: Adjust the maple syrup (natural) amount depending on your flavor preference or substitute with date syrup (natural).
- Press with care: Applying firm, even pressure when pressing into the pan helps bars stay compact and chewy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Refrigeration
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: breakfast bars, oats, peanut butter, plant-based, quick breakfast, healthy snack, gluten free